This citrus salt drink is a simple recipe made with orange juice, sea salt, and cream of tartar. You may have seen it online referred to as a “cortisol cocktail” or “adrenal cocktail,” but at its core, it’s just a popular drink trend built around a bright citrus flavor and a lightly salted finish.
People are drawn to this recipe because it’s quick to make, uses everyday ingredients, and tastes refreshing without being overly sweet. The flavor is citrus-forward with a subtle salinity that keeps it balanced rather than juice-like.
Below, you’ll find exactly how to make it, what it tastes like, and a few easy ways to adjust the recipe without any complicated steps.
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Why People Enjoy This Citrus Salt Drink
This citrus salt drink has gained popularity largely because it’s quick to prepare and easy to customize. With just a few everyday ingredients, it comes together in minutes and doesn’t require any special tools.
Here’s what people tend to appreciate about the recipe:
- Fast to make – mixed in just a few minutes
- Simple ingredients – uses items many people already have at home
- Balanced flavor – bright citrus with a subtle salty contrast
- Easy to adjust – sweetness and salt levels can be tailored to taste
Rather than being about complex formulas, the appeal of this drink comes down to flavor, simplicity, and convenience.
Ingredients for the Citrus Salt Drink
You’ll need just a few everyday ingredients to make this citrus salt drink. Everything is easy to find and simple to measure.
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 2–3 medium oranges)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 tablespoon coconut cream (optional, for a smoother texture)
- ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Fresh mint leaves or an orange slice (optional garnish)
This combination creates a bright, citrus-forward drink with a lightly salted finish.
How to Make the Citrus Salt Drink
Step 1: Prepare the Juice
Pour the orange juice into a mixing glass or measuring cup. Freshly squeezed juice gives the cleanest flavor, but a good-quality 100% orange juice also works if needed.
Step 2: Add the Salt and Cream of Tartar
Sprinkle in the sea salt and cream of tartar. Stir gently until both dissolve. As you mix, the liquid may briefly cloud before turning smooth again.
Step 3: Mix in Optional Add-Ins
If using coconut cream or a sweetener, add them now. Stir until the drink looks evenly blended and slightly opaque from the coconut cream.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Fill a glass with ice and pour the drink over it. Garnish with mint or an orange slice if you like. Serve immediately while the flavor is fresh and bright.
Simple Variations to Try
This citrus salt drink is easy to adapt if you enjoy experimenting with flavor. These variations keep the recipe simple while changing the taste and texture.
- Make-ahead option: Mix the drink without ice and store it in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir or shake before serving.
- Tropical twist: Replace half of the orange juice with pineapple juice for a sweeter, tropical flavor.
- Berry version: Blend in a small handful of strawberries or raspberries for a fruity taste and a deeper color.
- Tangy finish: Add a small splash of apple cider vinegar if you enjoy sharper, more acidic flavors.
- Spiced note: A pinch of turmeric can add warmth and color; black pepper is optional if you like a subtle kick.
How to Serve and Enjoy
This drink can be enjoyed in a few simple ways, depending on your preference.
- Serve over ice in a tall glass for a chilled version.
- Use sparkling water for a lighter, bubbly mocktail-style drink.
- Garnish with fresh mint or an orange slice for presentation.
- Enjoy it as a flavored citrus drink whenever you want something different from plain juice or water.
Common Preparation Tips
These simple tips help keep the flavor balanced and the texture smooth.
- Salt choice: Avoid iodized table salt, which can taste sharper in drinks. A fine sea salt works best for a clean, mild flavor.
- Measure carefully: Too much cream of tartar can make the drink taste bitter. Stick to small, precise amounts.
- Taste and adjust: If the drink feels too salty or too sharp, add a splash of juice or a few ice cubes to mellow it out.
- Fresh is best: This recipe is meant to be mixed and enjoyed shortly after preparing for the cleanest flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead Notes
If you want to prep ahead, here are a few practical options:
- Store any leftover drink in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir or shake before serving.
- Pre-measure the dry ingredients into small containers to save time when mixing later.
- Fresh orange juice can be frozen in ice cube trays and thawed as needed for quick preparation.
- Coconut cream, if used, can be stored separately in the refrigerator according to package instructions.
For the best taste, this drink is ideally mixed fresh rather than prepared far in advance.
Let’s Make This Recipe!
This citrus salt drink is a simple recipe that’s easy to prepare and flexible to adjust. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s an approachable option for anyone who enjoys experimenting with lightly salted, citrus-based drinks at home.
If you like the flavor, it can be a fun addition to your recipe rotation. If not, it’s easy to skip — the appeal of this drink comes down to personal taste and simplicity.
More Such Recipes
- Pink salt drink
- Blue salt drink
- Matcha recipe for weight loss
- Detox smootie recipes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it sometimes called a cortisol or adrenal cocktail?
The name comes from online wellness discussions, but the recipe itself is simply a citrus-based drink with a lightly salted flavor. In this article, it’s presented as a recipe trend, not as something designed to affect hormones or stress.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Yes. Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the brightest flavor, but a good-quality 100% bottled orange juice works as well. Avoid juice blends with added sugars or flavorings, as they can change the taste.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh?
Fresh is always best for maximum vitamin C content, but 100% pure bottled orange juice will work in a pinch. Avoid juice cocktails or options with added sugars.
What does the drink taste like?
The flavor is citrus-forward with a subtle salty note. It’s not overly sweet or savory, and the salt adds balance rather than making the drink taste “salty.”
Can I adjust the ingredients?
Absolutely. You can tweak the salt level, sweetness, or add-ins like coconut cream or ice to suit your taste. This recipe is meant to be flexible.
Citrus Salt Drink Recipe
Equipment
- Citrus juicer
- measuring cup or mixing glass
- whisk or spoon
- serving glass
Ingredients
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (2–3 medium oranges)
- 1/4 tsp high-quality sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1 tbsp coconut cream (optional)
- 1/2 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1 drop liquid stevia (optional)
- 4–5 ice cubes
- 1 fresh mint sprig or orange slice (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Juice 2–3 medium oranges to get about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Pour into a measuring cup or mixing glass.
- Add sea salt and cream of tartar to the orange juice. Whisk gently until fully dissolved, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in optional coconut cream and sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup, or stevia) until smooth and creamy.
- Fill a serving glass with ice cubes, pour the cortisol cocktail over ice, and garnish with mint or orange slice if desired.
